Preparations are underway to transform the city centre into Manchester’s largest playground on Saturday, July 27.
A thrilling programme packed with fun, free activities and events, all with a sporting theme, is lined up for the day, kicking off at noon.
Inspired by an international summer of sport, the city’s streets and squares will be buzzing with music, dancing, breathtaking acrobatics, and pop-up performances in unexpected places. There will also be various hands-on activities to ignite the competitive spirit in visitors of all ages.
Curated by the city council in partnership with outdoor arts experts Walk the Plank, the day’s medal-winning programme offers something for everyone, regardless of their sporting ability. The event promises to entice and delight even the most reluctant athletes with its array of fun activities.
In a special feature for this year’s Manchester Day, and to celebrate an amazing summer of international sport, the city has teamed up with some of the UK’s leading sports organizations to offer a variety of sports and fitness taster sessions.
You can try Taekwondo with British Taekwondo, learning how to break a board safely and stylishly; dive into the excitement of The Hundred, a fast-paced version of traditional cricket, and meet players from Manchester Originals; showcase your skills on a pop-up athletic track; or take on the target goals challenge at Manchester United Foundation’s Panna Cage in partnership with Manchester FA.
Additionally, there will be tennis taster sessions, Swing ball, futsal, rugby, and even a pedal party to explore throughout the day. A vintage fairground with hook-a-duck and darts challenges will also be available, offering the perfect opportunity to have fun and try something new.
For those who prefer watching sports rather than participating, there will be plenty on offer. A big screen in Cathedral Gardens will broadcast the Opening Ceremony of this year’s Olympic Games live from Paris on Friday evening, followed by live Olympic action throughout Saturday. With food and beverage stalls on site, it will be a fantastic place to relax and enjoy elite sports.
Prepare to be amazed by award-winning dance company Motionhouse and their outdoor show Wild, featuring performers flying through the city on an urban forest of poles in a daring dance-circus production. Meanwhile, performers from No Fit State Circus will defy gravity as they bend, flex, and build towering bamboo structures in a mind-blowing performance relying solely on human strength, trust, and harmony with nature.
